Luke Clanton returns to PGA National, where his professional dreams turned into reality for the first time last year. Yet the schedule is forcing him to rethink his entire approach to professional golf just one year into his career.

Clanton revealed the difficulties he's facing while talking to reporters during Wednesday's press conference at the Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.

"I think the travel is a little bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be, and going four or five weeks in a row, your body starts to give out that fourth and fifth week if you're not careful," said the 22-year-old. 

Last year's tournament was where the young Floridian got his PGA TOUR card after getting his 20th magical point.

Although he initially thought he was ready for the leap, the road's physical demands have proved the most difficult adjustment.

The demanding routine finally got to him when he had to pull out due to an illness earlier this season.

"Now it's kind of your job," Clanton said, recognizing the need for greater professionalism as one moves up from the amateur level.

Building a Foundation for the Long Haul

Clanton has embarked on a path focused on his physical longevity. When asked to elaborate on his physical development, Clanton remarked, "I think eating right, working out right, getting the right trainers, and obviously now I have a great team behind me that's been super supportive." 

In recent months, Clanton has been "putting on a little bit more weight to try and get a little more speed and then to be able to control it."

On his training and transition, he remarked, "It's a little bit easier, obviously, I think to train. I think I have a little bit more time on my hands, which is new."  

Once settled into the new routine, Clanton remarks on the lifestyle ahead, "Just really golf in the morning for five, six hours practice, work out, go to the beach. It's a pretty nice life."

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi